Episode #137 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Anne Hassel, a prior bud tenderEpisode #137 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Anne Hassel, a prior bud tender
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Who do you go for in medical advice? A certified bud tender or a board certified physician, nurse or pharmacist? At Cannabis Training University you can get a degree for just $299, much easier and less stressful than 12 year of medical training at a University and Hospital. Anne Hassel was a true marijuana believer, leaving her job as a physical therapist to enter the Green Rush as a budtender in a Massachusetts medical marijuana dispensary. After a year and a half of selling and consuming toxic, unnatural and harmful high THC products, she experienced heavy metal poisoning, Cannabis Use Disorder, and Cannabis Induced Psychosis. Concerned about the harm to others, especially the youth, she joined preventionists. Anne has testified before national and state authorities and politicians. She appears in the film Smokescreen https://vimeo.com/423459522/769e704993. Anne presented at SAM Summit in 2021 and is included in Dr. Kevin Sabet’s book "Smokescreen: What the Marijuana Industry Doesn't Want You to Know".
53:44•7 Aug 2023
From Green Rush to Recovery: Anne Hassel's Eye-Opening Journey
Episode Overview
- Former bud tender Anne Hassel shares her journey from belief in marijuana's therapeutic benefits to the shocking reality of the cannabis industry.
- Discover the dangers and complexities of high potency marijuana, including heavy metal poisoning and cannabis-induced psychosis.
- Explore the deceptive practices and lack of regulation in the cannabis industry, shedding light on the prioritization of profit over consumer well-being.
- Learn about Anne Hassel's recovery and sobriety journey, offering hope and insights into overcoming addiction and harmful substance use.
- Gain valuable insights into the impact of cannabis on mental health, challenging misconceptions and promoting awareness.
“It's all about greed. That's the thing. It's all about... harm people for money. That goes against my values. People should be shocked.”
Imagine diving headfirst into a new career, only to find out it’s not what it seems. That’s exactly what happened to Anne Hassel, who left her job as a physical therapist to become a bud tender in Massachusetts' booming cannabis industry. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', hosted by Dr. Roneet Lev, Anne opens up about her startling experiences and the harsh truths she uncovered. Anne was initially a true believer in marijuana’s therapeutic benefits.
But after a year and a half of working and consuming high THC products, she faced serious health issues, including heavy metal poisoning and cannabis-induced psychosis. Her story is a cautionary tale about the lack of regulation and the potential dangers lurking in the cannabis industry. Anne didn’t keep her experiences to herself. She became an advocate for consumer safety, testifying before national and state authorities and sharing her story in the film 'Smokescreen'.
Her journey from a hopeful participant in the Green Rush to a vocal critic offers a unique perspective on the industry’s dark side. Listeners will hear Anne's raw and honest account of how profit often trumps consumer well-being in the cannabis world. She also touches on the impact of high potency marijuana on mental health, dispelling common myths and promoting awareness. But Anne’s story isn’t just about the negatives. It’s also about recovery and hope.
Her path to sobriety provides valuable insights and encouragement for anyone struggling with addiction. Tune in to this episode for an eye-opening look at the realities of the cannabis industry and an inspiring tale of resilience and recovery.

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